Synthetic peptides as carriers for cellular import of drugs

Summary We describe the solid phase synthesis of an amphipathic peptide C-terminated by a cysteamide group which allows further addition after removal from the resin and cleavage of the side-chain protecting groups. The peptide is shown to be rapidly internalized by cells with a nuclear localization of the peptide. When the peptide is linked to an oligonucleotide, the conjugate is also internalized with a final localization that is mainly cytoplasmic.